RAN Captain's coat with WWII medal bars : Eric Beeham
Maker
S W Silver and Co
Subject or historical figure
Eric Bolton Beeham
(Australian, born 1917)
Date1945
Object number00033026
NameCoat
MediumCloth, silk, brass
DimensionsOverall: 830 x 440 x 60 mm, 1.4 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Elaine Beeham
HistoryEric Beeham became involved in the Second World War when the STRATHNAVER was commissioned as a troop ship. He qualified through the Merchant Navy Officers' Defence Course in London and was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant, minesweeping around the Australian coast on HMAS SAMUEL BENBOW, HMAS WARREGO, HMAS WARRAWEE and HMAS NAMBUCCA. He subsequently commanded the patrol boat NEREUS. Beeham also served on the HMAS COOLEBAR, HMAS KANIMBLA, HMS SPRINGDALE in the Pacific, New Guinea, Milne Bay and Columbo, and on the aircraft carrier HMS RAJAH in the Mediterranean, Indian Oceanic and Atlantic. Beeham passed his masters examination in 1945 while on HMS VICTORY in London. He served on HMS ROYAL ULSTERMAN for the Normandy landing and on several ships demobilising troops at the end of the war.
Beeham left the Navy in 1948 and returned to work as a merchant mariner. He continued to serve in the naval reserves.